Nation Editorial Opposes Denying Nazis Free Speech

November 5, 1933

The issue of free speech is involved in the suppression of Nazi propaganda in the United States, according to an editorial appearing in the current issue of The Nation. The writer declares that barring underhand methods practised by some Nazi followers, they should be permitted to have their say.

“The Jews who protested against Mayor O’Brien’s action and stated that they did so in the interest of the Jews themselves, since if the Nazis were suppressed there would be a precedent established, were on solid ground,” says the editorial. “Let New York suppress the Nazis, and other cities will think they have the right to suppress Socialists, or Communists, or farmers who strike with holiday associations, or anyone else whose views or beliefs the police may not like.”